The Minister in Switzerland (Wilson) to the Secretary of State, [Extract],
BERN, November 13, 1935.

DEAR MR. SECRETARY:

I have reported before, and the impression grows deeper as the days go by,
that although Germany is not present at Geneva, none the less it is the concern
regarding Germany which is decisively influencing the action of all the European
member States today. The States of Europe, while fully realizing and apprehensive
of the dangers inherent in Italy's present course, have no real fear of Italy;
they are however profoundly afraid of Germany. Hence in their concerted action
in the development of the collective idea on the Continent, in the application
of sanctions and in their consideration of future eventualities, they are dominated
by two thoughts: what will be the effect of such action on Germany and how will
analogous action work against Germany when and if necessity calls for it? More
than for a solution of the present problem, the setting into operation of the
League machine seems to me a trial and test of strength for future possibilities.
If I may so phrase it, we are attending a dress rehearsal in which the elements
of the piece are carefully inspected for future production, and in which one
of the most important props, the British navy in the Mediterranean, is also
visible and under scrutiny.

Those who now believe that economic sanctions against Italy will be efficacious
also believe, and rejoice thereat, that the machinery of Article 16 of the Covenant
has been tried and not found wanting. They do not doubt that this action, if
successful, will impress Hitler and that he will come to understand that while
the States of Europe are reluctant to intervene in the internal affairs of any
country, they will tolerate the existence of a dictator only while he keeps
within his own boundaries and refrains from attempts to bully his neighbor.
Thus, they contend, at the end of the Italian trouble Hitler should be in a
frame of mind to negotiate Germany's international problems and negotiate them
reasonably.